DORA J.

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Obesity & Me

Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.

Oh my where do I begin? I suppose from the beginning as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz says. Since forever I have been bigger than most in my family. Countless diets, praying, starving myself, wishing I was some thin, making plans for a better life, promises, etc, etc!

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

Walking through a crowded area and trying to squeeze bye and knocking people off balance.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

Since I have a torn miniscuss on my right knee all is about the same with the exception of my cloths are looser and I can fit into some old stuff that I had outgrown!

How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

From magazines, I think at a doctors office. About the singer, Carly I forget her last name. Then I was mortified, like what? How could someone want to do that to themselves. Never thought I would even consider it. And look at me now, heehee!

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

Insurance wasn't an issue with me.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

Research research reseach! I have gone to countless websites to find out everything I could.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was wearing the largest size I could find off the rack and had enought of myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Because of the side effects. I knew if I could get away with eating wrong without consiquences I'd do it.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I had no doubts that I would do this, if it meant death than my faith would put me in a better place. I felt that if I had complications that I would get through it.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Positively. The support is fine.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

My employers were/are very supportive. Was out 2 1/2 weeks.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

Hospital was fine, a bit noisy at night. Was there for 2 nights. Toothpaste and toothbrush.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

not a one!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was so happy and recovery was so fast for me.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Fine, alls good, expect to be thrilled that your cloths get looser in a matter of days and even your shoes.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

90 miles, aftercare travel is fine.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Multi childrens vitamins 2 per day, B12 sublingual, Calcium citrate, and chewable iron tabs.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

My side effects are minimal. A couple of time nauseated due to rich food or overeating. Sleeping is a bit less at first since I usually sleep on my stomach. It's been 7 weeks and my hair isn't falling out-thank God.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

So far nothing! I'm fortunate that I have had no complications and am adjusting fine.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

OH website, friends, family and my Jesus!

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

4 one inch scars and 1 about 1/4 inch. I expected much worste.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

7 weeks out and none.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really.
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